Nicklas Helenius

[peter w]

We've signed 6 players thus far and you'd expect 2 or 3 of them not to come off. I reckon helenius was bought with the assumption that he'd have a season behind benteke and getting the odd game here and there, and coming from the bench to score the 4th in a routine win. Then with benteke off next summer Helenius will have a years experience to go on and lead the line.

[SoccerHQ]

Way I see it Peter.

Great news Benteke staying as it means he won't have the pressure of being perceived as the immediate replacement which would mean the fans starting to get on his back if he didn't score in the first five games for example.

As you say we can ease him in and he can chip in with goals.

I really think this will turn out to be a great signing when compared to Cornelius to Cardiff for 7.5m.

[Dr Butler]

some nice touches from the young lad last night...can't wait to see him in real action..

UTV
The Doc

[Toronto Villa]

The slide pass to Weimann for CB's goal and the flick for Grealish makes him so versatile. Like Bacuna, he's going to prove to be rather versatile.

[LeeB]

The slide pass to Weimann for CB's goal and the flick for Grealish makes him so versatile. Like Bacuna, he's going to prove to be rather versatile.

What are your thoughts on his versatility?

[paulcomben]

A memory test: last summer, Aston Villa signed an attacking player called Nicklas Helenius for £1m+ and he made his debut in the 1-0 home defeat to Liverpool. Remember him?! What has happened to him? Not so much as an unused substitute, of late. Not injured, as far as we know. Is he failing to make the grade? Could he not contribute something to a team that desperately needs more attacking options, to break down defences and score more goals?

[UK Redsox]

Let's hope that "Bomb Squad II" has not been formed already

[brontebilly]

A memory test: last summer, Aston Villa signed an attacking player called Nicklas Helenius for £1m+ and he made his debut in the 1-0 home defeat to Liverpool. Remember him?! What has happened to him? Not so much as an unused substitute, of late. Not injured, as far as we know. Is he failing to make the grade? Could he not contribute something to a team that desperately needs more attacking options, to break down defences and score more goals?

Not sure which of Helenius or Kozak is the more immobile. Helenius like others not getting a look in at the moment - Herd, Bennett, Gardner and Bowery are better off going on loan for even a month than not even making the bench.

Seems more of a 442 option than 433 I reckon but did a Bambi on ice impression the last time I saw him which may have been that Liverpool game.

[BoskoDjembaSalifou]

Helenius needs time, I don't think he was bought to feature straight away. One for the future.

[Richard E]

Perhaps he can't play again until he's been able to save up for a new pair of pants.

[supertom]

I've not seen him since a brief substitute appearence against Everton. We were woeful in that second half and Everton were coasting while we had no ideas. Anyway, he came on. His first touch was a nice piece of control, a swift turn followed by a pass, which unfortunately went straight to an Everton player and there wasn't even a Villa player within 30 yards of where he'd passed the ball. For me he's looked very much like a Rabbit in headlights so far. Short on confidence and undoubtedly because he's not hit the ground running, he's probably homesick. It's always far easier as a foreign player to settle in a new country, especially at a young age, if you start with a bang.

If we do see the best out of him, it won't be for another year at least. We could do with some cup ties against lower league opponents to bed him in, but we've got to wait till Jan at least.

I'd consider loaning him out to a decent Championship club. Let him get some proper games because playing for the U21's will do nothing for him.

I'm just not sure what he's going to offer us. He's got a good touch, a little bit of vision (at least he showed it in pre-season). But physically he's not strong or quick enough. He's also used to having more time on the ball. He scored a few for Aalborg that were very Ibra-esque, but he'll never find that sort of freedom in the Premiership.

The further up the pitch you get I think the odds get longer on a cheap punt of a mill paying off. It's a lot less likely that you'll find a decent forward for 1 mill than a keeper or defender say. IMO.

[SoccerHQ]

He's said himself he didn't expect to be in contention for a regular premier league game for 6 months, I just think it's a case of training him up and getting him used to the physical game.

I've liked the little glimpses I've seen from him so far, don't forget in the Spurs cup game he should've won us a penalty and had them down to 10 men.

[PaulWinch again]

I'd like to see him get a bit more opportunity, it's one thing settling in but he needs some game time.

[PeterWithesShin]

I like what i've seen of The Gladiator. I really thought he'd be getting game time by now. He is either bopping Mrs Lambert or he is really shit in training.

For Bowery to get on the bench ahead of him, something is up.

[PaulTheVillan]

Has Helenius vanished since PL bollocked him half time v Spurs?